SPA Spanish StudiesOn this page: Introduction | Programs | IntroductionHispanic culture offers a variety probably unrivalled by any other modern Western culture. In the Middle Ages, Spain was the vital point of contact of the Christian, Jewish, and Islamic civilizations. In its Golden Age it led the way in the exploration and settlement of the New World, contributing significantly to the evolution of a flourishing Ibero-American culture. Today it is estimated that Spanish is one of three most widely-spoken languages in the world. Spanish studies at the University of Toronto are mainly, but by no means exclusively, concerned with the language and literature of the Spanish-speaking peoples. Courses in translation, in business Spanish, in Catalan, in the history and structure of the Spanish language and literature are complemented by studies of the social, artistic, and intellectual history of both Spain and Spanish-America. Spanish and Portuguese form part of the interdisciplinary programs in European Studies and Ibero-American Studies. The progression of courses in the language sequence is designed to accommodate a wide range of previous preparation in the spoken and written language. In their first year, beginners receive an intensive course, SPA 100Y; those with OAC standing begin their University studies in SPA 220Y; students who on entry are already well qualified in Spanish and demonstrate both oral and written fluency are expected to proceed directly to more advanced levels of study. Throughout the language stream, stress is laid both on the cultural component of language acquisition and on the range of practical applications to which both the spoken and the written language may be put. Courses in translation, in phonetics, in business Spanish, in Catalan, and in the history and structure of the Spanish language provide an array of possible options for students in the upper years. Following an introduction to the methodologies of critical analysis as applied to Hispanic texts, students have a wide selection of courses on the literatures of Spain and Spanish America: medieval Spanish literature; the prose, verse and drama of the Golden Age; the modern novel, short story, poetry, drama and film. In all years, the works are read and discussed not only in terms of their individual artistic value but also as illustrations of the outlook and the intellectual climate of their age. In conjunction with Woodsworth College, the department makes SPA courses available during the summer at the University of Guadalajara. Interested students should contact the Undergraduate Coordinator. For the Portuguese component, see under Portuguese Program in this Calendar. Undergraduate Coordinator: Professor R. Sternberg (813-4082) Enquiries: Victoria College, Room 208 (813-4080) SPANISH PROGRAMSEnrolment in the Spanish programs requires the completion of four degree courses; no
minimum GPA required. SPANISH (B.A.) Specialist program (Hon.B.A.): Second Year: Third and Fourth Years: Major program (B.A.): Second Year: Third and Fourth Years: Minor program (B.A.): SPANISH See also EUROPEAN STUDIES, IBERO-AMERICAN STUDIES, MODERN
LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES, LINGUISTICS AND LANGUAGES |
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